Pets and Condominium Living

- by Ana and Marc Bateman

For many of us, pets are an integral part of our lives. However for those who choose a condominium lifestyle, pet ownership can sometimes present some challenges. In this article, we will bring to light some considerations and tips that can help you select a pet friendly condominium and ensure that your pet integrates well into the community.

Pet owners who are looking to purchase or move into a condominium should review the condominium corporation’s by-laws to familiarize themselves with the governance of pet ownership in the condominium and should take into consideration the following:

• Does the Corporation allow pets?
• Does the Corporation require the prior written consent of the Board before bringing a pet into a unit?
• Are there restrictions to the type and size of pet?
• Are there restrictions to the number of pets?
• Are there restrictions to the use of the corporation’s common areas?
• Can the pet owner walk/exercise the pet on the common areas?
• Must the pet be leashed and kept under control at all times?
• Must the pet be taken off the common area grounds for it’s daily walks and “to take care of it’s business”?
• Is the pet owner required to replace or restore any damage to the common areas caused by their pet?
• Can the Board request the removal of the pet if it is deemed a nuisance or in contravention of the by-laws?
• Can the Board request a pet deposit?
• Are pets allowed access to the exclusive use and privacy areas such as patios, balconies and yards?
• Is it in contravention of the by-laws to leave unit doors and windows open for pets to access and exit the unit OR is this action considered a breach of security or an abuse and waste of common area utilities? Does it increase the risk of pests, rodents, etc. or create the opportunity for common area pipes to freeze in the winter? Could it pose a risk to the Corporation’s insurance?

Unit owners should also take into consideration whether their pets are suitable for condominium living. You may wish to ask yourself the following questions.

• Is your pet suitable for indoor living?
• Is your pet able to remain indoors for extended periods of time without supervision?
• Will your pet bark or meow in your absence in a manner that would be bothersome to the neighbors?
• Does your pet pose a risk or threat to the other condominium residents?

If you are currently a pet owner or could be a pet owner after purchasing your unit, it is important to research these points, when shopping for and selecting a condominium. Even though there are many condominium corporations that do allow pets, with the prior written consent of the Board, you will find that there are those that DO NOT allow pets under any circumstances.

Questions or concerns regarding pets should be addressed to the Board, in writing, as they are the body that administers the by-laws on behalf of the corporation. To avoid any misunderstandings, pet requests should be directed to the Board, in writing, and responses from the Board should also be remitted in writing and in a timely manner.

Be informed before you buy, and don’t assume anything! If these pro-active steps are taken you will help avoid unhappy and stressful situations, where the family pet is concerned.

(Marc Bateman is the President and Broker of Acclaim Condominium Managers and a former President of the Calgary chapter of the Canadian Condominium Institute. Ana Bateman is an Agnet and the Managing Director with Acclaim Condominium Managers.)

For more helpful hints about buying and owning a condominium in Calgary, watch Shaw TV's Condo Living with Barb Mitchell each Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.

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